What to do, where to stay in Austin this March

Austin, Texas, lives its “Live Music Capital of the World” title to a T, with more than 250 live music venues and musicians belting out tunes on virtually every corner of town. But there’s more to Austin than acoustic guitars. It’s also a city with a vibrant arts scene, a wealth of outdoor activities, ample sunshine and fantastic food. Did we mention it’s the state capital, too?

If you’re looking for a spring break escape, you’ll find many ways to play in Austin. While the city hosts fantastic events year-round, March is an especially active time to visit. Here are four key Austin events to plan a trip around this spring.

1. South by Southwest

The pinnacle event for any music, film, gaming or technology fan, SXSW is the largest gathering of creative folks bar none. From March 8–17, the event offers a packed calendar of live music, film premiers, workshops and lectures, a comedy festival, a trade show and more.

Be sure to reserve your hotel soon, as many premier hotels sell out in advance. The newly opened Fairmont Austin, a SXSW host hotel, is only a few blocks from Congress Avenue—the heart of Austin’s live music scene.

2. IndyCar Classic

If you like the excitement of auto racing, you’ll want to hit IndyCar, which offers one of the most diverse lineups you’ll find. Watch top drivers race around superspeedways, short ovals, straightaways and other courses in blazing-fast open-wheeled cars.

This year, North America’s premier open-wheel racing championship, IndyCar Classic, heads to Austin’s Circuit of the Americas. During the event, held March 22–24, the sport’s elite compete on COTA’s stars-and-stripes tarmac. The excitement concludes with a performance by the rock band Muse.

3. World Golf Championships—Dell Technologies Match Play

One of four annual World Golf Championships takes place in Austin, and it’s done so for 20 years. The Dell Technologies Match Play is a knockout professional event that features the world’s top 64 golfers.

Held March 27–31 at the gorgeous Austin Country Club, Dell Technologies Match Play gives you a rare chance to see the sport’s best players in person. Reserve weekly or daily passes, with or without clubhouse access.

Need a place to stay? If you’re attending a prestigious golf event, you’ll want to stay in an equally prestigious hotel. Fairmont Austin offers luxury amenities with a boutique hotel experience. With Austin’s spring weather being perfect for a pool-side reprieve, Fairmont Austin guests have access to the 7th floor pool deck, featuring beautiful panoramic views of Austin’s city skyline.

4. Austin Urban Music Festival

When Austin calls itself the Live Music Capital of the World, it means all live music. That includes R&B, jazz, blues, neo-soul and hip hop. For a full weekend of soulful tunes from national and regional acts, don’t miss the Urban MusicFest at Auditorium Shores.

Held March 29–30, the 2019 event features Yarbrough & Peoples, Syleena Johnson, the Ohio Players, Blackstreet and many more. Together with the Texas Relays, a popular track and field meet held the same weekend, Urban MusicFest is one of Austin’s largest African American tourist weekends.

When spring fever hits, plan a week or a weekend away from the office to explore the 24/7 excitement of Austin. Plan around one of the top four events above or one of Austin’s many outdoor outings.

To ensure you get optimal rest for your daytime adventures, reserve a room or suite at Fairmont Austin. Located in the Central Business District, it offers easy access to the Austin Convention Center, SXSW music haunts and dozens of great restaurants, as well as views of Ladybird Lake and the state capitol.

For enhanced relaxation, book a massage at the Fairmont Austin spa. In addition to nine treatment rooms, you’ll find a Jacuzzi, sauna, steam room and relaxation spaces and enjoy access to the hotel’s fitness center, salon and locker rooms.

For full service unlike anything else you’ll find in Austin, choose Fairmont Gold. Fairmont Gold members receive complimentary beverages and hors d’oeuvres, concierge service and a key to the Fairmont’s finest rooms, located from the 32nd to 35th floors.

A getaway destination in its own right, Fairmont Austin features a raved-about spa, five restaurants and bars, meeting and wedding space and a seasonally heated pool. Reserve your room today by calling 1-888-240-7773 or book online.

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